Two youth charged in Ramstad vandalism

August 20, 2013

The Minot Police Department has charged two 14-year-old boys with burglary and arson for the two recent vandalism events at the site of the upcoming Ramstad Middle School on Minot's North Hill. They have been referred to Juvenile Court.

A security guard discovered that paint and epoxy floor sealant had been spilled on the floor of the future music room of the school upon reporting for work late the night of Aug. 7. The paint had also been used to write rude remarks and draw rude images on the walls.

Firefighters and police returned to the building the next night to put out two small fires in the building that caused extensive smoke damage.

Over $100,000 in damage was done to the school during both of the events. Minot Public School District had offered a $5,000 reward for information related to an arrest and conviction over the acts of vandalism.

Upon the convictions the police will notify the district if there was a tip and where to send the reward but the reporting party will remain anonymous.

"The one thing that we are very pleased about is that the Crime Stoppers program works," said Mark Vollmer, the superintendent of Minot Public Schools. "It's an important step in resolving these issues and crimes."

"We will continue to work with the Minot Police Department and juvenile court in this matter," he added. "Now that the investigation is done and the arrest has been made this chapter is not necessarily over. There are many issues to be discussed including restitution for these damages."

Vollmer said that despite the setbacks the school building remains on schedule. Building crews and cleanup crews are working in tandem to have the school ready to open in November.

"By golly we're going to have a great school year at Minot Public Schools," Vollmer said.